Safe & Supportive Schools

COVID-19 General Information and Resources & Mental and Behavioral Health Resources

Providing a safe and supportive learning environment is a key to helping students develop essential skills and knowledge necessary for college and career readiness. A wide range of services and supports are needed to establish and maintain these learning environments. This web page outlines a number of Department of Elementary and Secondary Education programs and related resources that can help school districts and communities build safe and supportive learning environments for all students.

Safe and Supportive Schools Framework/Tool:

• Safe and Supportive Schools (SaSS) Framework & Self-Reflection Tool (SaSS Framework/Tool) — The original framework/tool was developed and piloted during the 2008-2011 Behavioral Health and Public Schools Task Force, and the currently available version of the tool was most recently updated in 2021.
• Invitation to provide feedback on the updated SaSS Framework/Tool

Resources relative to antisemitism and societal bias in schools.

Additional resources related to safe and supportive schools:

• Cell Phones and Social Media in Schools: A Toolkit for School Leaders and Communities— Released by the Attorney General's Office with support from DESE
• COVID-19 Related Information and Resources
• Emergency Management in Schools
• Mandated Reporter Guidance
• Medical Emergency Response Plans
• Physical Restraint Requirements (if used) and Data Collection Tool
• Policies and Protocols for Truancy Prevention Programs
• Rethinking Discipline Initiative
• Safe and Healthy Learning Environment Related Initiatives
• Safe and Supportive Schools Commission
• Safe and Supportive Schools Competitive Grant Program (Fund Code 335 and 337)
• Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students
• Substance Use Prevention and Intervention
• Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training Guidance
• Violence Prevention and Intervention

Last Updated: January 29, 2025